I am about ready to purchase my first planer or joiner. I have been very happy with the quality of cut from a well set up table saw with a good blade. This makes me want to go for the planer first.

Most of what I buy is surfaced two sides and straight line ripped, but I would buy rough if I found a source. It would still be nice to be able to clean up the surfaces and adjust the thickness of what I currently buy.

Is it possible to surface rough wood without a joiner? I am ok with using jigs to get a first straight edge on the table saw, but from what I see on wood working shows, you need a 12" joiner to surface the first side wide. Can you do this with a planer instead of the joiner if the board is reasonable straight? It will more than likely be a long while before I can own a monster joiner because of $ and space. Is it a good plan to start with the planer?